Programmable logic devices with user non-volatile memory

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide improved non-volatile storage techniques for programmable logic devices. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a programmable logic device includes a plurality of logic blocks, a plurality of input/output blocks, and a volatile memory to store data within the programmable logic device, with configuration memory adapted to store first configuration data for configuration of the logic blocks, the input/output blocks, and the volatile memory of the programmable logic device. The programmable logic device further includes a non-volatile memory adapted to store data provided from the volatile memory.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to electrical circuits and, more particularly, to programmable logic devices with non-volatile memory.

BACKGROUND

A programmable logic device, such as field programmable gate array (FPGA) or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), may be used in a variety of applications. A programmable logic device (PLD) offers the advantage of being reprogrammable in the field (e.g., while on the circuit board in its operational environment).

A drawback of a conventional PLD is that, while its configuration memory is being reprogrammed, the PLD typically cannot preserve data stored in its volatile memory (e.g., volatile embedded random access memory (RAM) blocks) and, consequently, the data is lost during the reprogramming process. However, depending upon the particular application, a user of the PLD may prefer to preserve the data stored in the volatile memory for use within the PLD after the reprogramming (i.e., reconfiguration) of the PLD has been completed and the PLD is operating based upon the new configuration data provided during the reprogramming. As a result, there is a need for improved reconfiguration techniques for PLDs.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a programmable logic device includes a plurality of logic blocks; a plurality of input/output blocks; a volatile memory adapted to store data within the programmable logic device; configuration memory adapted to store first configuration data for configuration of the logic blocks, the input/output blocks, and the volatile memory of the programmable logic device; and a non-volatile memory adapted to store data provided from the volatile memory.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a programmable logic device includes a plurality of logic blocks; a volatile memory block adapted to store data within the programmable logic device; configuration memory adapted to store first configuration data for configuration of the logic blocks and the volatile memory block of the programmable logic device; means for storing in a non-volatile manner data from the volatile memory block; and means for controlling transfer of data from the volatile memory block to the storing means and from the storing means to the volatile memory block.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of storing information within a programmable logic device includes providing a volatile memory block; providing configuration memory adapted to configure the programmable logic device based on data stored in the configuration memory; providing a non-volatile memory block partitioned into a configuration portion and a user portion, wherein the configuration portion is adapted to store configuration data for transfer to the configuration memory to configure the programmable logic device, and wherein the user portion is adapted to store data for the volatile memory block; and controlling transfer of configuration data from the non-volatile memory block to the configuration memory and transfer of data from the volatile memory block to the non-volatile memory block and from the non-volatile memory block to the volatile memory block.

The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, which are incorporated into this section by reference. A more complete understanding of embodiments of the present invention will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages thereof, by a consideration of the following detailed description of one or more embodiments. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawings that will first be described briefly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram illustrating an exemplary programmable logic device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram illustrating exemplary implementation details for a non-volatile memory and configuration memory of the programmable logic device of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram illustrating exemplary implementation details for a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory of the programmable logic device of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show block diagrams illustrating exemplary implementation details for a programmable logic device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram illustrating exemplary implementation details of a non-volatile memory controller for the programmable logic device of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 show a block diagram illustrating exemplary implementation details for data transfer between a non-volatile memory and volatile memory for the programmable logic device of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram illustrating an exemplary programmable logic device (PLD) 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. PLD 100 includes input/output (I/O) blocks 102 and programmable logic blocks 104. I/O blocks 102 provide I/O functionality (e.g., supports one or more I/O and/or memory interface standards) for PLD 100. Programmable logic blocks 104 (e.g., also referred to in the art as configurable logic blocks or logic array blocks) provide logic functionality for PLD 100, such as LUT-based logic typically associated with FPGAs or array-based logic typically associated with CPLDs.

PLD 100 may also include non-volatile memory 106 (e.g., blocks of EEPROM or flash memory), volatile memory 108 (e.g., block SRAM), clock-related circuitry 110 (e.g., PLL circuits), one or more data ports 112, configuration memory 114, and/or an interconnect 116. It should be understood that the number and placement of the various elements, such as I/O blocks 102, logic blocks 104, non-volatile memory 106, volatile memory 108, clock-related circuitry 110, data port 112, configuration memory 114, and interconnect 116, is not limiting and may depend upon the desired application. Furthermore, it should be understood that the elements are illustrated in block form for clarity and that certain elements, such as configuration memory 114 and interconnect 116, would typically be distributed throughout PLD 100, such as in and between logic blocks 104, to perform their conventional functions (e.g., storing configuration data that configures PLD 100 and providing routing resources, respectively).

Data port 112 may be used for programming PLD 100, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. For example, data port 112(1) may represent a programming port such as a central processing unit (CPU) port, also referred to as a peripheral data port or a sysCONFIG programming port. Data port 112(2) may represent, for example, a programming port such as a joint test action group (JTAG) port by employing standards such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1149.1 or 1532 standards. Data ports 112(1) and 112(2) are not both required, but one or the other or both may be included to receive configuration data and commands.

Non-volatile memory 106 may be used to store configuration data within PLD 100 for transfer to configuration memory 114 of PLD 100 upon power up or during reconfiguration of PLD 100. This may drastically reduce the time to reconfigure PLD 100 relative to an external bitstream (e.g., reduce the time from seconds to microseconds for loading of configuration data into configuration memory 114).

Non-volatile memory 106 may also be used to provide background programming and/or storage for PLD 100 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. For example for storage functionality, non-volatile memory 106 may be used to store data from volatile memory 108 during the reconfiguration process. Thus as an example, the data stored by volatile memory 108 within PLD 100, just prior to reconfiguration, may be preserved in non-volatile memory 106 during the reconfiguration process and then written back into volatile memory 108 prior to returning to user mode, as explained further herein.

For example for background programming, PLD 100 may remain in user mode, based on the configuration data stored in configuration memory 114 within PLD 100, while non-volatile memory 106 is programmed with new configuration data (e.g., a new user defined pattern). Once the new configuration data is stored in non-volatile memory 106, this data can be transferred from non-volatile memory 106 to configuration memory 114 to reconfigure PLD 100, a process sometimes referred to as refresh. The refresh process can be initiated by a signal or instruction provided to data port 112 (e.g., pulsing data port 112(1) or providing a JTAG refresh instruction via data port 112(2)).

As a specific example, FIG. 2 shows a block diagram illustrating a PLD 200, which provides exemplary implementation details for PLD 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. PLD 200 includes non-volatile memory 106 (e.g., flash memory), configuration memory 114, and control logic 202.

Configuration memory 114 (e.g., volatile SRAM cells or other types of volatile or non-volatile memory) are used in a conventional manner to store configuration data, which determines the user defined functions of PLD 200 (e.g., determines programmable functions of I/O blocks 102, logic blocks 104, and interconnect 116). Control logic 202 controls the internal transfer of the configuration data from non-volatile memory 106 to configuration memory 114, as would be understood by one skilled in the art.

It should be understood that flash memory represents an exemplary type of memory for non-volatile memory 106, but other types of non-volatile memory (e.g., EECMOS) that can be reprogrammed once or repeatedly may be substituted for non-volatile memory 106. Furthermore, either non-volatile memory 106 or configuration memory 114 may be programmed (i.e., receive and store information in its memory) to store configuration data for PLD 200, but the device functionality of PLD 200 is determined by the information stored in configuration memory 114. Thus, PLD 200 may be configured (including reconfiguration or partial reconfiguration), for example, when information is programmed into configuration memory 114.

It should also be understood, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, that non-volatile memory 106 and configuration memory 114 may each be programmed (including reprogrammed), for example, via data port 112(1) or data port 112(2), depending upon the desired application or design requirements. Further details regarding programming may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,828,823 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005-0189962-A1, published Sep. 1, 2005.

In general, during programming of configuration memory 114 and reconfiguration of the PLD (e.g., PLD 100), it may be desired by a user of the PLD to preserve data stored in volatile memory 108. However for conventional approaches, any information stored in volatile memory 108 generally cannot be saved and is lost during the reconfiguration process. Furthermore, if flash memory is embedded within the PLD to provide non-volatile memory, the flash memory typically is limited. For example, the flash memory may have an inadequate, fixed amount of storage space, a slow read/write access speed, a limited number of possible read/write cycles, and/or undesirable data structure restrictions.

In contrast, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, techniques are disclosed to preserve the data stored in volatile memory 108 during a reconfiguration. For example, non-volatile memory 106 may be partitioned to provide storage for configuration data (e.g., a configuration flash section) and to provide non-volatile storage (i.e., a user flash section) for volatile memory 108 (e.g., to preserve the data through a reconfiguration, if desired by a user of the PLD). Furthermore in accordance with some embodiments it should be understood that, rather than partitioning one non-volatile memory 106, one or more of non-volatile memory 106 may be implemented to provide non-volatile storage for volatile memory 108, while one or more of non-volatile memory 106 may be implemented to provide non-volatile storage for configuration data.

Thus, for example for some embodiments, non-volatile memory 106 may be used as non-volatile storage for a user to store not only various information, such as system management information, manufacturing control information, and/or failure statistics information for board level diagnostics, but also to store in a non-volatile fashion data from volatile memory 108 to preserve during a reconfiguration or power down of PLD 100 (also referred to as store-to-flash capability). Furthermore, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, one or more blocks of volatile memory 108 may be operated as shadow flash memory during user mode of operation to provide fast, random, and unlimited read/write access as well as a flexible, scalable data structure capability. Consequently, in accordance with some embodiments, volatile memory 108 may function as virtual user flash memory with store-to-flash capability to preserve the data during a reconfiguration (e.g., transparent field reconfiguration capability).

For example, FIG. 3 shows a PLD 300, which illustrates exemplary implementation details for a non-volatile memory 302 and volatile memory 108 (e.g., labeled EBR for embedded block RAM) of PLD 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. PLD 300 illustrates the general functionality for non-volatile memory 302 and volatile memory 108 in accordance with some embodiments. For example, non-volatile memory 302 may be used to store data from volatile memory 108, which allows volatile memory 108 to be used as virtual flash memory (e.g., also referred to as shadow flash) during a user mode of operation.

Specifically as an example, non-volatile memory 302 may represent a specific implementation example for non-volatile memory 106, with non-volatile memory 302 partitioned (segmented) into a user flash portion 304, a trim portion 306, a test portion 308, and a configuration flash portion 310 (with trim portion 306 and test portion 308 being optional portions within non-volatile memory 302). User flash portion 304 may be used to store data for volatile memory 108 in a non-volatile manner, such as to preserve the data stored by volatile memory 108 during a reconfiguration of PLD 300 (e.g., a store-to-flash (STF) operation).

Trim portion 306 may be used to store trim data, which may be used for adjusting or trimming various parameters within PLD 300 (e.g., adjusting current source values, resistor values, or other circuit parameters as would be understood by one skilled in the art). Test portion 308 (e.g., also referred to as program electronic signature (PES) in one embodiment) may be used to store test data and other types of information, as desired. Configuration flash portion 310 may be used to store configuration data for transfer to configuration memory 114 to reconfigure PLD 300.

As shown in FIG. 3, non-volatile memory 302 (e.g., flash memory) may have a different starting address for each portion or section. User flash portion 304 may be accessed sequentially and coupled (e.g., via routing resources 312, such as with multiplexers and other circuitry associated with interconnect 116) to its associated volatile memory 108. Therefore, data can be loaded into volatile memory 108 from user flash portion 304 (e.g., during reconfiguration or as desired) and volatile memory 108 can be accessed randomly during user mode of operation. If all or a portion of PLD 300 which includes volatile memory 108 is to be reconfigured, the data in volatile memory 108 which is desired to be preserved through the reconfiguration process may be loaded into user flash portion 304 (e.g., under control of a store-to-flash (STF) command).

In general in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, non-volatile memory 302 illustrates the partitioning of flash memory into configuration flash portion 310 (e.g., a configuration flash area) and user flash portion 304 (e.g., a user flash area), which allows volatile memory 108 to function, if desired by a user, as shadow flash memory (e.g., virtual flash memory) with STF capability. Configuration flash portion 310 may be used to store and provide configuration data to configuration memory 114 (e.g., provide initializing configuration logic), while user flash portion 304 may be used to store data for volatile memory 108 and provide data for initializing volatile memory 108 (e.g., volatile memory 108 is the primary interface with user flash portion 304). Non-volatile memory 302 may further include additional areas (e.g., trim portion 306 and test portion 308) to provide additional memory for users to store other information based on their specific requirements or application.

The techniques illustrated herein may provide certain advantages over a conventional PLD. For example, by utilizing volatile memory 108 as virtual flash memory, there may be certain benefits over conventional techniques in terms of power consumed, speed (e.g., fast accessibility), accessibility (e.g., random, unlimited read/write), and data structure (e.g., flexible data structure and organization). By utilizing volatile memory 108 as shadow user flash, less power may be consumed relative to using non-volatile memory 302 directly. Volatile memory 108 can function as shadow user flash and provide virtual user flash capability as desired by a user due to the STF capability for user flash portion 304. The amount of shadow user flash provided by PLD 300 may vary and scale with device density (e.g., from 180 k bits to 400 k bits or more) and may be organized as one or more separate shadow user flash blocks, as described further herein.

Volatile memory 108 may also provide speed advantages relative to flash technology. For example, shadow user flash may be accessed at the speed of the volatile memory technology of volatile memory 108 rather than the relatively slow read/write speeds of non-volatile memory 302. Thus, by using volatile memory 108 as shadow user flash, virtual non-volatile storage space may be provided at the speed of SRAM technology, for example, if volatile memory 108 is implemented as SRAM.

Volatile memory 108 may also provide accessibility advantages over non-volatile memory 302. For example, volatile memory 108 may provide random read/write access capability as shadow user flash, rather than the typically more restricted sequential access of non-volatile memory 302 (e.g., implemented as flash technology). Furthermore for example, volatile memory 108 may provide essentially unlimited read/write access capability, rather than the typically more restrictive endurance limitations applied to the read/write access capability of non-volatile memory 302 (e.g., not limited by the endurance limitations of flash technology).

Volatile memory 108 may also provide flexible data structure, organization, and access capability. For example, by using volatile memory 108 (e.g., SRAM block), the conventional routing and addressing structure may be utilized to provide flexible data access, with volatile memory 108 providing flexible data width organization and, for multiple blocks of volatile memory 108, cascading for both width and depth data structure flexibility. For example, volatile memory 108 may provide various data structure access flexibility (e.g., by 1, by 2, by 4, by 8, by 16, by 32, by 36, etc., such as 16K by 1, 8K by 2, 4K by 4, 2K by 8, 1K by 18, 512 by 36, etc.).

The techniques disclosed herein may provide additional benefits or advantages. For example, there does not have to be any special-purpose or dedicated routing and interconnect to use volatile memory 108 as shadow user flash, but rather the PLD's inherent routing structure (e.g., interconnect 116) may be used. Furthermore, the use of volatile memory 108 as shadow user flash is flexible and user-controlled by providing STF control capability for saving the information stored in volatile memory 108 to non-volatile memory 302 (e.g., flash memory).

FIGS. 4 and 5 show block diagrams of PLD 400 and PLD 500, respectively, illustrating exemplary implementation details for a PLD (e.g., PLD 100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. For example, PLD 400 illustrates a non-volatile memory 406 (e.g., similar to non-volatile memory 106 or non-volatile memory 302), volatile memory 108, and logic portions 402. Logic portions 402 represent various programmable circuitry of PLD 400 and may include, for example, I/O blocks 102, programmable logic blocks 104, configuration memory 114, and interconnect 116.

Non-volatile memory 406 may be partitioned into user flash portion 304 (UFM) and configuration flash portions 310 (labeled CFM and separately referenced as configuration flash portions 310(1) and 310(2)). Non-volatile memory 406 may further include a tag portion 404, which may represent a small bank of memory for use as a user desires (e.g., a scratchpad memory).

Configuration flash portion 310(1) may be used to store the configuration data for transfer to configuration memory 114 within logic portions 402(1) and 402(2), while configuration flash portion 310(2) may be used to store the configuration data for transfer to configuration memory 114 within logic portions 402(3) and 402(4) to configure those portions of PLD 400. User flash portion 304 may be associated with volatile memory 108(1) and/or 108(2). For example, volatile memory 108(1) and 108(2) (e.g., embedded block RAM or EBR) may be mapped into user flash portion 304 and, as explained further herein, a STF operation may be performed (e.g., during a reconfiguration process) to save the information stored in volatile memory 108(1) and 108(2) to user flash portion 304. As a specific example, the information transferred from volatile memory 108(1) and 108(2) to user flash portion 304 may then be transferred back from user flash portion 304 to volatile memory 108(1) and 108(2) during the reconfiguration process but prior to entering user mode of operation so that the information in volatile memory 108(1) and 108(2) is preserved during the reconfiguration process.

PLD 500 of FIG. 5 illustrates that any number of non-volatile memory 406 and volatile memory 108 may be provided and, furthermore, each volatile memory 406 may be partitioned as desired. For example, configuration flash portion 310(1) may be used to store the configuration data for transfer to configuration memory 114 within logic portion 402(1), while configuration flash portion 310(5) may be used to store the configuration data for transfer to configuration memory 114 within logic portion 402(2).

In a similar fashion, user flash portion 304(1) may be associated with and mapped to volatile memory 108(1), while user flash portion 304(3) may be associated with and mapped to volatile memory 108(2). Likewise, configuration flash portions 310(2) and 310(3), 310(4), 310(6) and 310(7), and 310(8) may be associated with logic portions 402(3), 402(5), 402(4), and 402(6), respectively, while user flash portions 304(2) and 304(4) may be associated with and mapped to volatile memory 108(3) and 108(4), respectively. Thus, for example, shadow user flash memory may be provided of variable density, with the amount of shadow user flash available related to the number or amount of volatile memory 108 in the PLD and which may scale with density. Furthermore in accordance with some embodiments, it should be understood that each volatile memory 108 within PLD 500 may be configured independently as shadow user flash or as any other type of conventional memory implementation (e.g., as ROM, RAM, etc.).

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, volatile memory 108 may function as the primary interface for user flash portion 304. For example, during user mode of operation, direct access to user flash portion 304 may only be through the associated volatile memory 108 (shadow user flash).

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram illustrating a PLD 600, which provides exemplary implementation details for a non-volatile memory controller 602 for PLD 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. PLD 600 illustrates, for example, the STF capability for PLD 100 as discussed herein.

For example, controller 602 controls user flash portions 304 (e.g., 304(1) and 304(2)) for transferring information between volatile memory 108 and user flash portions 304 and may be separate from or be part of control logic 202. As an example, control logic 202 and controller 602 control the transfer of configuration data from non-volatile memory 106 to configuration memory 114 and also control the transfer of information between non-volatile memory 106 (e.g., user flash portions 304) and volatile memory 108.

As a specific implementation example, a store-to-flash signal may be provided to controller 602 to command the information stored in volatile memory 108 to be transferred to the associated mapped user flash portion 304. The store-to-flash signal may be provided, for example, via a common interface block (CIB) 604. As another specific implementation example, in addition to the store-to-flash signal, a flash busy signal and a status signal may be provided by controller 602 to indicate if a flash related operation is in progress (e.g., store-to-flash process) and operations status (e.g., whether the store-to-flash operation passed or failed), respectively.

Each user flash portion 304 may have an associated configuration bit 606 (e.g., one of configuration memory cells 114) for indicating to controller 602 whether associated user flash portion 304 is to be used in the STF capacity (i.e., user flash mode). For example, configuration bits 606(1) and 606(2) are associated with user flash portions 304(1) and 304(2), respectively. Therefore in accordance with one embodiment, controller 602 saves the information in volatile memory 108 based upon the store-to-flash signal and the values stored in configuration bits 606.

Additional information and control signals may be used, as illustrated in FIG. 6. For example, rather than just the store-to-flash signal, controller 602 may instead or in addition receive a flash erase signal 608 and a transfer-to-flash signal 610 and provide an erase done signal 612 and a transfer done signal 614.

Flash erase signal 608 would be used to command controller 602 to erase user flash portions 304 whose configuration bit 606 is appropriately set to designate user flash mode for that user flash portion 304. Once the erasure has been completed, controller 602 may indicate this (e.g., to user logic) via erase done signal 612. Transfer-to-flash signal 610 would then be used to command controller 602 to transfer the information in volatile memory 108 to the associated user flash portion 304. Once the transfer has been completed, controller 602 may indicate this (e.g., to user logic) via transfer done signal 614.

The information stored in user flash portions 304 may be protected from unauthorized access in the same way as is conventionally done for protecting configuration data from unauthorized access from non-volatile memory with the PLD. For example, the data stored in user flash portions 304 and configuration flash portions 310 may be secured from unauthorized reading out by a conventional security fuse, which prevents the reading out from the PLD of the information stored in the embedded non-volatile memory.

FIG. 7 show a block diagram illustrating a PLD 700, which provides exemplary implementation details for data transfer between a non-volatile memory 704 and volatile memory 108 for PLD 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Non-volatile memory 704 for this exemplary implementation may represent four user flash portions 304 (i.e., user flash portions 304(1) through 304(4)) that correspond to volatile memory 108(1) through 108(4). Control logic 702 may represent controller 602 (FIG. 6) or represent controller 602 and control logic 202 (FIG. 1) and it should be understood that other circuitry within PLD 700 is not shown for clarity.

Volatile memory 108(1) through 108(4), for example, have been configured by a user pattern to function as user flash memory, RAM, RAM, and ROM, respectively. Consequently in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, user flash portions 304(1) through 304(4) may provide non-volatile storage for corresponding volatile memory 108(1) through 108(4) if, for example, the associated configuration bit 606 designates user flash mode.

FIG. 7 illustrates, with the bold arrow from non-volatile memory 704 through volatile memory 108, the ability to transfer data from non-volatile memory 704 to volatile memory 108 to initialize volatile memory 108 with desired data. For example, control logic 702 may provide an enable signal 712 (labeled EBR enable) to volatile memory 108 to enable volatile memory 108 to store the data provided by non-volatile memory 704.

Control logic 702 may be controlled, for example, via SPI or JTAG ports (e.g., via data port 112) during the store-to-flash operation or to initiate the store-to-flash operation. Alternatively for example, a store signal 708 provided to control logic 702 may include flash erase signal 608 and transfer-to-flash signal 610, while control logic 702 may provide a store status signal 706 that includes erase done signal 612 and transfer done signal 614, with these signals used as described in reference to FIG. 6.

PLD 700 may be viewed as operating in a user mode of operation as configured by a user pattern (i.e., a user defined pattern “A”). If a user desires to reconfigure PLD 700, non-volatile memory 704 may be erased (e.g., write all logical high values “1” by command of flash erase signal 608) and then a new user pattern (i.e., a user defined pattern “B”) may be written to non-volatile memory 704, while PLD 700 operates in user mode with user defined pattern “A” (e.g., background programming operation performed). For example, non-volatile memory 704 may now store a default pattern (e.g., store all logical low values “0”), except for section 304(4) corresponding to volatile memory block 108(4) that a user desires to function as ROM and thus section 304(4) stores the desired ROM data (e.g., the same ROM data or different ROM data as in user defined pattern “A”).

Prior to transferring the user defined pattern “B” into configuration memory 114 from configuration flash portions 310, a user may desire to preserve the data stored in volatile memory 108. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 7 by the bold arrow from volatile memory 108 to non-volatile memory 704, a store-to-flash operation (e.g., by command of transfer-to-flash signal 610) may be performed to transfer the data stored in volatile memory 108(1), 108(2), 108(3), and/or 108(4) to user flash portions 304(1), 304(2), 304(3), and 304(4), respectively, to preserve the data during the reconfiguration process.

During the store-to-flash operation, control logic 702 may provide a store control signal 714 to volatile memory 108 and a flash enable control signal 710 to non-volatile memory 704 to control the transfer and storage of data from volatile memory 108 to non-volatile memory 704. Upon completion of the store-to-flash operation, the refresh operation may be performed to reconfigure PLD 700. For example for the refresh operation, the configuration data stored in configuration flash section 310 may be transferred to configuration memory 114, and the data stored and preserved in non-volatile memory 704 may be transferred to volatile memory 108. The refresh operation may be initiated, for example, by powering down and then powering up PLD 700, toggling a program pin of PLD 700, or sending a refresh command to PLD 700 (e.g., via a slave SPI interface or JTAG port).

Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide improved non-volatile storage techniques for programmable logic devices. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a non-volatile PLD (e.g., FPGA) with user flash is disclosed that provides for the preservation of user data within volatile memory blocks. For example in accordance with some embodiments, the PLD includes flash memory that is partitioned into configuration flash and user flash sections, with the user flash sections associated with the volatile memory blocks. Consequently, the volatile memory blocks may be configured to function as shadow user flash, with the information transferred to the corresponding user flash sections when desired by a user to preserve the information (e.g., during a reconfiguration or power down of the PLD).

Embodiments described above illustrate but do not limit the invention. It should also be understood that numerous modifications and variations are possible in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined only by the following claims. 

1. A programmable logic device comprising: a plurality of logic blocks; a plurality of input/output blocks; a volatile memory block adapted to store user data within the programmable logic device, but which is not adapted to configure the logic blocks and the input/output blocks; configuration memory adapted to store first configuration data for configuration of the logic blocks, the input/output blocks, and the volatile memory block of the programmable logic device; and a non-volatile memory adapted to store the user data provided from the volatile memory block and further adapted to store configuration data for transfer to the configuration memory, the non-volatile memory being partitioned to provide a configuration portion to store configuration data for transfer to the configuration memory and a user portion to store the user data for the volatile memory block, wherein the volatile memory block and the configuration memory are distinct and separate from each other and located in different portions of the programmable logic device.
 2. The programmable logic device of claim 1, wherein the volatile memory block includes embedded block RAM.
 3. The programmable logic device of claim 1, further comprising control logic adapted to control transfer of the user data from the volatile memory block to the non-volatile memory and from the non-volatile memory to the volatile memory block.
 4. The programmable logic device of claim 1, further comprising a non-volatile memory controller adapted to control transfer of the user data from the volatile memory block to the non-volatile memory and from the non-volatile memory to the volatile memory block.
 5. The programmable logic device of claim 1, wherein the non-volatile memory is further partitioned to provide at least one of a trim portion, a test portion, and a tag portion.
 6. The programmable logic device of claim 1, wherein the configuration portion and the user portion each has a different starting address.
 7. The programmable logic device of claim 1, further comprising at least a first data port adapted to receive commands for controlling reconfiguration of the programmable logic device.
 8. The programmable logic device of claim 1, wherein the volatile memory block is further adapted to function as virtual flash memory, wherein at least one of the configuration memory is associated with the volatile memory block and provides a control signal to control whether the volatile memory block transfers its user data to the non-volatile memory.
 9. The programmable logic device of claim 1, wherein the non-volatile memory is flash memory partitioned into a configuration flash portion and a user flash portion.
 10. A programmable logic device comprising: a plurality of logic blocks; a plurality of input/output blocks; a volatile memory block adapted to store user data within the programmable logic device, but which is not adapted to configure the logic blocks and the input/output blocks; configuration memory adapted to store first configuration data for configuration of the logic blocks, the input/output blocks, and the volatile memory block of the programmable logic device; and non-volatile memory partitioned to provide a configuration portion to store configuration data for transfer to the configuration memory and a user portion to store the user data for the volatile memory block, wherein the volatile memory block and the configuration memory are distinct and separate from each other and located in different portions of the programmable logic device, and the volatile memory block is further adapted to function as virtual flash memory, with the non-volatile memory accessed via the volatile memory block.
 11. A programmable logic device comprising: a plurality of logic blocks; a volatile memory block adapted to store user data within the programmable logic device, wherein the volatile memory block is not adapted to configure the logic blocks; configuration memory adapted to store first configuration data for configuration of the logic blocks and the volatile memory block of the programmable logic device; means for storing in a non-volatile manner the user data from the volatile memory block and configuration data for the configuration memory, wherein the storing means is partitioned to provide a configuration portion to store configuration data for transfer to the configuration memory and a user portion to store the user data for the volatile memory block; and means for controlling transfer of the user data from the volatile memory block to the storing means and from the storing means to the volatile memory block and for controlling transfer of configuration data from the storing means to the configuration memory, wherein the volatile memory block and the configuration memory are distinct and separate from each other and located in different portions of the programmable logic device.
 12. The programmable logic device of claim 11, further comprising means for communicating with the controlling means.
 13. A programmable logic device comprising: a plurality of logic blocks; a volatile memory block adapted to store user data within the programmable logic device, wherein the volatile memory block is not adapted to configure the logic blocks; configuration memory adapted to store first configuration data for configuration of the logic blocks and the volatile memory block of the programmable logic device; means for storing in a non-volatile manner the user data from the volatile memory block and configuration data for the configuration memory, wherein the storing means is partitioned to provide a configuration portion to store configuration data for transfer to the configuration memory and a user portion to store the user data for the volatile memory block; and means for controlling transfer of the user data from the volatile memory block to the storing means and from the storing means to the volatile memory block, wherein the volatile memory block and the configuration memory are distinct and separate from each other and located in different portions of the programmable logic device; and wherein at least one cell of the configuration memory is associated with the volatile memory block and provides a control signal to control whether the volatile memory block can transfer its user data to the storing means.
 14. A method of storing information within a programmable logic device, the method comprising: providing a volatile memory block adapted to store user data, wherein the volatile memory block is not adapted to configure the programmable logic device; providing configuration memory adapted to configure the programmable logic device based on data stored in the configuration memory; providing a non-volatile memory block partitioned into a configuration portion and a user portion, wherein the configuration portion is adapted to store configuration data for transfer to the configuration memory to configure the programmable logic device, and wherein the user portion is adapted to store user data for the volatile memory block; and controlling transfer of configuration data from the non-volatile memory block to the configuration memory and transfer of the user data from the volatile memory block to the non-volatile memory block and from the non-volatile memory block to the volatile memory blocks, wherein the volatile memory block and the configuration memory are distinct and separate from each other and located in different portions of the programmable logic device.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the volatile memory block is configurable to function as shadow user non-volatile memory and is associated with the user portion of the non-volatile memory block.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of the volatile memory blocks, wherein the non-volatile memory block is further partitioned into a plurality of user portions associated with the volatile memory blocks, and wherein the non-volatile memory block is further partitioned into at least one of a trim portion, a test portion, and a tag portion.
 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising performing a background programming operation prior to the transfer of the user data from the volatile memory block to the non-volatile memory block to preserve the user data from the volatile memory block during a reconfiguration. 